Culinary Chronicles: How to Make Your Own Starbucks-Style Holiday Drinks

We all love a hot cup of coffee from the Middle Ground to get us through finals.  But what about those times when we are longing for a flavored latte that our “Starbucks” doesn’t offer?  Instead of driving to a real Starbucks and paying five dollars for your winter craving, try making your own!  Here are some copycat recipes that are guaranteed to satisfy that winter craving.
 
If you don’t have a stove or want your latte in a hurry, Coffemate makes these three flavors of creamers as well as several more.  Add a dash to your morning cup of coffee and it will be almost as good as the real thing.  Also, if you don’t have an espresso maker, just brew your coffee really strong.  Use twice as much coffee as espresso that the recipe calls for. 
 
Peppermint Mocha
 

Ingredients:
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup water
¼ tsp peppermint extract
3 tablespoons powdered cocoa
3 tbs warm water
½ cup hot espresso
1 ½ cups hot milk
 
Directions:
In a small saucepan, stir together the water and sugar.  Bring mixture to a soft boil and stir frequently until the sugar dissolves.  Reduce heat to simmer and add peppermint extract.  Simmer for 20 minutes. 
 
In a mug, mix the cocoa and water until a creamy paste forms.  Add espresso and then 1 ½ teaspoons of your peppermint syrup.  Top off the mug with hot milk and stir.  Don’t forget the whipped cream and peppermint sprinkles!
 
Gingerbread Latte
 

Ingredients:
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup sugar
A 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
¼ tsp groundcinnamon
¼ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup hot espresso
1 cup hot milk
 
Directions:
In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla.  Bring to a boil and stir until sugar dissolves.  Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
 
In a mug, combine espresso and ¼ cup of your gingerbread syrup.  Top off with warm milk.  Enjoy with a holiday cookie!
 
Pumpkin Spice Latte

 
Ingredients:
2 cups milk
2tbs canned pumpkin
2 tbs sugar
2 tbs vanilla extract
½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
¼ cup espresso
 
Directions:
In a small saucepan, combine milk, pumpkin and sugar and cook on medium heat, stirring frequently until steaming.  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and pumpkin spice.  Whisk vigorously with a wire whisk until foamy. 

Pour mixture into mugs and top off with espresso.  Sit by the fire and enjoy your warm cup of fall!
 
Sources:
http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/beverage/diy-peppermint-mocha-103261
http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/beverage/diy-pumpkin-spice-latte-096277
http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/beverage/diy-gingerbread-latte-103265